Marion Barry's Life Takes Center Stage at D.C. Book Signing

A Conversation with Marion Barry, hosted by the Washington Informer in collaboration with MahoganyBooks, takes place at the Old Congress Heights School in Southeast Washington, D.C. from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Rolark Barnes will moderate an open discussion with the former mayor.

Barry and Rolark Barnes will delve into his rise and fall and rise again to political power, his personal struggles and his varied challenges, including the night the FBI videotaped him smoking crack at the Vista Hotel that resulted in six months in federal prison, and ultimately his unexpected re-election to a fourth term as mayor.

Barry has always defied the odds and remains a lightning rod for controversy but he inspires a deep love and admiration from his beloved community, particularly those living east of the Anacostia River. Talk to any number of people in the city and Barry is still referred to as Mayor Barry or Mayor for Life.

“It is with great excitement and pride that I invite the public to join me as I discuss the incredible journey that has taken me from Mississippi to Memphis, and finally to D.C. where I became involved in community activism and politics,” Barry said. “This book gives readers the true story of my life.”

The discussion and signing, marks the official kick off of the Informer’s 50th Anniversary celebration. It’s open to the public and will give guests an opportunity to interact with Barry and receive a signed copy of the book. “Mayor for Life” can also be ordered at www.MahoganyBooks.com.

Barry will be on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 to talk with the host about his book on Friday, June 20. He will also have a booth at the African-American Festival in Baltimore on Saturday, June 21 and then he’ll be a guest of Oprah Winfrey’s the following week via Skype.